Maria Nelson

Maria “Mia” Nelson, age 88, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Maria was born on November 23, 1937, in Amsterdam, Holland, to Alphonsus and Willemintje Vlaanderen. She grew up in Amsterdam during World War II and, as the second-oldest child in a large family, helped care for and raise her younger brothers and sisters. Those early years shaped the caring, hardworking woman she would become.

While in Amsterdam, Maria met her husband, Wayne Nelson, who was stationed in Europe as an Airman with the United States Air Force. The two were married on October 4, 1958, in Amsterdam. Shortly after their marriage, Maria left her beloved homeland and traveled by boat to the United States to begin a new life with Wayne in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

One of Maria’s favorite stories was recalling the shock of moving from Amsterdam to such a small town as Stoughton. What began as a great change became the place where she would build a lifetime of memories and raise her family.

Maria and Wayne raised five children together. Much of Maria’s life was devoted to caring for children. Having already helped raise her younger siblings, she went on to raise her own children and later became an equally devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a tremendous impact on the many grandchildren (who affectionately called her “Mimi”) who knew her love, humor, guidance and can still recite the Dutch songs she taught them.

Maria was also a talented and hardworking woman who operated a successful upholstery business out of her home for many years. Her work helped supplement the family income from Wayne’s roofing business.

She believed in taking care of herself, too. Maria valued healthy eating and exercise, and when life at home became stressful—as it sometimes does when raising children—she would lace up her sneakers and head out for a run along the country roads to clear her body and mind.

And, perhaps most importantly, Maria absolutely loved to dance. With her bright red hair and a flair for fashion she was a force on the dance floor always reminding everyone, “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much.“

Maria is survived by her children, Mark Nelson, Richie (Kara) Nelson , Scott (Ericka) Nelson, and Lisa Nelson; grandchildren Justin, Amanda, Tiffany, Robyn, Cody, Jake, Paige, Samantha; and great-grandchildren Tyler, Maddie, Owen, and Austin. She is also survived by her siblings, brothers Henk and Joop Vlaanderen, and sisters Willy Citino Vlaanderen, Lies Vlaanderen, Dolly Vlaanderen, and Ida Belnik Vlaanderen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alphonsus and Willemintje Vlaanderen; her husband, Wayne “Cuzzy” Nelson; her sons, Wayne Jr. and Alan Nelson; and her sister, Gerda Vlaanderen.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Kettle Park and Agrace Hospice for the care, companionship, comfort and dignity they provided to Maria.

A private family celebration of Maria’s life will be held.

Maria leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work and memories. Her greatest legacy is the family she helped build and the many lives she touched, from her younger siblings, to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

And somewhere, we hope, Mimi is dancing.

Here is a message from her sister Dolly who lives in Amsterdam:

With a heavy heart, but filled with beautiful memories, I say goodbye to my wonderful and beloved sister Mia.

Although she lived in America for more than 66 years, the distance never stood in our way, we remained incredibly close.

In recent years, Alzheimer disease increasingly overshadowed her life. But it could never erase who she truly was.

I deeply miss our hours long conversation always filled with her quick wit, sharp comebacks and her wonderfully comical sense of humor.

The unforgettable trips we took together are memories I will cherish forever.

Bye Sis, Dag lieverd

Dolly